Thecla Annaze Achanyi initiated as Ndi Nkem Annaze

By Emma Atangah Efeutlateh, camlinknews

The King Makers' dance with Betroh came out in the palace of Fotabonganchueh to initiate Thecla Annaze, the wife of James Achanyi-Fontem, CEO of Cameroon Link during the funeral celebration of Mafua Emenkeng Fotabonganchueh of Lebialem. Mafua Emenkeng Fotabonganchueh Johanna lived for 113 years before passing into transition and Thecla Annaze was picked from the royal family as successor. With the traditional initiation, she is now known as Ndi Nkem Annaze Achanyi. The traditional ceremony was attended by HRH Foretia of Letia and HRH Fobellah of Bellah under the coordination of HRH Fotabonganchueh. Several traditional dance groups graced the event before a reception with abundant food, meat and wines.

Nkongteyah women's praise dance performed at the Fotabonganchueh Palace in Lebang, Lebialem in honour of Ndi Nkem Annaze. The women showed their traditional dexterity as as a of gender equity promotion. The women lauded the fact that one of theirs was raised to a high traditional leadership position of successor to Mafua Emenkeng Fotabonganchueh who shot the gun during celebrations like men and praises to the almighty creator were pinned on her traditional title. The Alungajaba dance highlighted the tradition of veneration where dancers entered into the scene two by two. It was also an opportunity for initiating young princes and princesses on the Nweh tradition and rituals. During the performance of this dance, Ndi Nkem Annaze, the wife of Achanyi-Fontem was guided by HRH Foretia of Letia. Nkem Annaze Thecla belongs to the Letia dynasty, though married to James Achanyi-Fontem who is a prince of Lebang dynasty. During the traditional dance performance HRH Foretia and Ndi Nkem Annaze held traditional palm wine cups for pouring peaceful grace on the community where the initiation rites were conducted. Video have been brought to you by Cameroon Link for sharing with friends at the end of this story.

The videos were filmed during the initiation of Thecla Annaze Achanyi who later was given the title of Ndi Nkem Annaze at Fotabonganchueh's Palace. She is the successor of Mafua (Queen) Fotabonganchueh Johanna, who live on earth for 113 years before passing into transition in November 2015 at her residence in New Lay out Quarters Mamfe. Nkem Annaze is mother of seven children, four girls and three boys. For more information, click on the following links - https://youtu.be/74ZfD098q2A, https://youtu.be/4SmYKu05y80 , https://youtu.be/5ELyw-zGYRk , https://youtu.be/AVxKM3MRlrY

World Breastfeeding Week 2016

Theme: ‘Breastfeeding - A key to Sustainable Development’

WABA has announced the theme for WBW 2016 World Breastfeeding Week is: ‘Breastfeeding: A key to Sustainable Development’ The WBW 2016 theme focuses on breastfeeding in relation to sustainability, and most importantly to the Sustainable Development Goals. WABA Co-Executive Director, Dr. Amal Omer-Salim, was appointed Key Writer for the WBW 2016 Calendar Announcement, Action Folder etc, working with small team of WABA Steering Committee members, and Core Partner representatives. Dr. Omer-Salim explains that “In very simple terms, sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development. This is particularly through the links between breastfeeding and nutrition and food security; health, development and survival; achieving full educational potential and economic productivity and the fact that breastfeeding is an environmentally sustainable method of feeding compared to the alternatives. In 2016 a new set of universal global development goals will come into being. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) build on the ‘unfinished business’ of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and will guide development agendas for the next 15 years. There are 17 goals that apply to all countries alike, covering broad issues such as climate change and poverty reduction, but also more specific issues including 1) ending hunger and improving both under and over nutrition; 2) ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being; 3) ensuring equitable education, and 4) ensuring sustainable agricultural production and consumption. However, breastfeeding is not explicitly mentioned in any of the goals. Therefore the breastfeeding movement needs to position breastfeeding in as many ways as possible. This will help to ensure that breastfeeding is not forgotten in the new era of the SDGs”. WBW 2016 Objectives are to: 1. To inform people about the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they relate to breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). 2. To firmly anchor breastfeeding as a key component of sustainable development. 3. To galvanise a variety of actions at all levels on breastfeeding and IYCF in the new era of the (SDGs). 4. To engage and collaborate with a wider range of actors around the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. The Calendar Announcement is being developed and should be ready for distribution soon. WABA looks forward to actively collaborating with you all for WBW 2016. Wishing you Season’s Greetings, and a very Happy New Year! Jennifer Mourin, Global Coordinator, WABA World Breastfeeding Week (WBW)

Cameroon Link wishes you a Happy New Year 2016

James Achanyi-Fontem, CEO Cameroon Link

Cameroon Link wishes you a Happy New Year.It is because of your support that we reach millions of followers with the information they need to improve on their health and well-being, keep their family happy and prosperous. In the year 2015 we worked with several farmers, women, mothers and community radio broadcasters like hopeful partners to share information on agricultural improvements, markets, nutrition and health development. We believe that the exchange of information will remain lasting and improve on in the lives of many families. We sincerely thank you for making many change happen for all of us. We use this opportunity to requesr you to visit our new baby at www.cameroonlink.org and suggest new ways of collaboration to make the future brigther. Visit our Facebook page this week for more holiday messages from the field, and to learn more about the farmers and broadcasters you have supported this year. Send your own new year greetings through the space for comments on our web site. Share tour gifts of knowledge and voices, along

with a special message to special fathers, mothers and youths. Once again, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2016!

Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club Cruwns Mafua Dorothy Ndikum

By Helen Ayamba, camlink@cameroonlink.org

HRM Fonjinju Tatabong Alexander of Lenale Ndem Palace in Melong, littoral region crowned Mrs. Dorothy Ndikum as Mafua of Befuah (Queen of Chiefs) following her dexterity in coordinating a live CRTV Monday Show in Melong. Mafua Dorothy is sub director of television production of CRTV Mballa II Yaoundé. She decided to produce Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) Monday Show out of the studio in Melong after one organized in Kumba, meme Division, south west region of Cameroon. Lenalendem Palace situated in Melong, Moungo division, Cameroon was imported from Lebialem some 65 years ago by a woman called Mama Mafuankeng Forminka Esther. She was married to Mbe TATABONG, a native of Lewoh-Lebialem, an ex-German soldier who participated in the First World War in 1914. Many years later, Mafuankeng lost her husband and because of some misunderstanding within the family and because of the need to protect her numerous children, decided to carry them and escape to Melong. The choice of Melong, she said, was because when she got married in her youth, her husband used to trek with her from the village through Dschang-Santchou-Melong and to Bare Market for business reasons. Bare, according to her, had the largest market in the whole region in those days. During her numerous journeys to Bare through Melong, she understood that Melong had fertile soil for farming. Secondly the place was the furthest ; where she could hide her children for security reasons. Concerning the misunderstanding back home, she explained that when her husband died people around her developed some sort of jealousy towards her and the children because of their hard work. While already settled in Melong she started by acquiring a piece of land from the natives to build a house for her and her children and another piece for farming. She started with cocoyams, groundnut, banana, corn, vegetables etc.

When she realised that she had acquired enough to feed her children, she started to build a small shop in the roadside on the Bafoussam-Douala highway. This was to sell some of the crops. She did this with the help of her children. The shop was built with local material and she sold cola nuts, bananas, vegetables, pineapples and groundnut to passengers on their way to and fro. Asked how many children she had left the village with, she answered : « In the Nweh Tradition where I come from, it is forbidden for a parent to count his or her children. If you started counting them God will say you have had enough and may not give you more or even decide to take some away ». This is why each time people asked how many children she had she always answered that it was God alone who knew the number of her children and not her herself.

Within the time, one of the sons, TATABONG Alexander, decided to join the Cameroon Army. The reason was that he wanted to replace his late father as a German soldier. He was recruited and served in the Gendarmerie for 35 years. During these years of service, he went across the country and so created a lot of relationships for himself. Just like his late father, he collected artefacts and carvings from all regions of Cameroon. He added them to what his late father Mbe TATABONG had left. In order to promote what had been started in Melong by his mother Mafuankeng Forminka Esther, he created a museum. With close to 2800 pieces of art and crafts. The government inaugurated a UNESCO Club there and it is today one of the biggest in the country. He has also built a palace in accordance with the mother's plans. It has natural symbols, as God’s Will translated as LENALE-NDEM in Nweh Language of Lebialem. The small shop built by the mother has been transformed into a big commercial centre thanks to the efforts of her son Tatabong Alexander, the whole family and friends. It receives over 10000 visitors daily; be they from Melong community, travellers from West, North West, parts of South West and Mbanga and Douala from Littoral. Tourists also come in to enjoy themselves in the market.

Because of the leadership roles of Tatabong Alexander, he was crowned Chief of Lenalendem Community. A monument for Mama Mafuankeng has also been erected in the centre of the palace. It is 1m 80cm tall and 1m 60cm wide, weighing 1000 Kg (one ton). This monument represents her entirely; showing how she left her native Nweh land with her children to Melong and the present population of Lenalendem. Twenty carvers from different regions of Cameroon too ten years to complete the artistic work. The monument was finished and inaugurated on 7 November 1997. It is placed on the grave of late Mama Mafuankeng in the inner temple of the palace. Tourists and visitors can exceptionally be allowed access only on special traditional days and after the performance of certain rites. Mama Mafuankeng died at the age of 95 leaving behind so many children that she refused to number and we have no right to do so. She created a whole village known today as Lenalendem. The cultural richness of the palace would have attracted CRTV to choose it for organizing the Monday Show which brought together several thousands of spectators and participants the 14th December, 2015.

For more, click on the following links. https://youtu.be/qXmiDI-fZ8o, https://youtu.be/IG901pJinYc,, https://youtu.be/xNFgR9VPWXU , https://youtu.be/GMrAzQQ-mGE , https://youtu.be/mWKHoBuUPnk, https://youtu.be/71isC50LILs , https://youtu.be/EycghSS7cVo.

Breastfeeding: Getting Close to Zero for an AIDS-free generation By James Achanyi-Fontem, camlinknews camlink@cameroonlink.org

Cameroon Link joined the rest of the world in celebrating World AIDS Day. Ahead of the event was a whole week dedicated for social mobilization, advocacy, information, education and communication activities aimed at sharing updates. According to an update from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding action, WABA,thirty yearsago the first report appeared documenting transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding by HIV-Positive mothers has never been as safe as it is now in 2015. So long as several easily achievable conditions are fulfilled, the risk of transmission of the virus through mother’s milk can be reduced to almost zero (0-1%).

Breastfeeding remains of crucial importance to the health of HIV-exposed infants since non-breastfed babies experience higher rates of illness and mortality. A recent study shows that the improved immunological and nutrition status enjoyed by breastfed, HIV-exposed infants is especially protective against pneumonia, diarrhoea and sepsis, leading to reduced hospitalisation during the first year of life . Two studies have also shown that when these babies have been exclusively breastfed for 6 months and continued to be breastfed while their mothers adhere to their ART, there is no increased risk of transmission up to 12 months . Breastfeeding by HIV-Positive mothers can be made safe when they: • are diagnosed before or during early pregnancy. • have received full antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 13 weeks prior to the birth of their babies. • have an undetectable viral load. • are adherent to their ART. • administer prescribed antiretroviral prophylaxis to their babies from birth to 4 weeks to protect from virus acquired at birth • practise exclusive breastfeeding during their babies’ first 6 months of life. • continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to a year, or even longer, unless or until safe replacement feeding would enhance HIV-free survival. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, in accordance with current WHO recommendations cannot be too highly stressed. The evidence for promotion of breastfeeding for all babies continues to grow. The December 2015 month’s special issue of the medical journal Acta Paediatrica contains a summary and ten separate review articles, coordinated by the World Health Organisation, on different aspects of breastfeeding. Topics as diverse as how breastfeeding leads to reduced mortality, higher intelligence, improved growth, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes in later life, lower incidence of asthma, allergies, malocclusion, dental caries and otitis media are fully discussed. The series ends with modules outlining how breastfeeding improves the health of women, and how to provide effective interventions to make breastfeeding easier. Current WHO recommendations suggest that ART should be initiated in all individuals who test HIV-positive, including pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV regardless of WHO clinical stage and at any CD4 cell count and continued lifelong. Effective antiretroviral treatment, currently available in most settings, can greatly reduce the infectivity of HIV-positive individuals, and antiretroviral prophylaxis is effective in protecting transmission of the virus between sexual partners and between mothers to their children. Thus girls and young women can be protected from primary infection with HIV and infants of already-infected mothers can be protected from transmission during pregnancy, during birth and during breastfeeding. However, fear of stigmatization and discrimination often leads to weak adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Outdated beliefs about the benefits of artificial feeding for HIV-exposed infants, coupled with fear of disclosure of their HIV status if they do not breastfeed, means that many HIV-Positive women will bottle-feed in secret at home, but breastfeed in public, which means that too many HIV-exposed babies are mixed-fed. Mixed feeding places babies at the greatest risk of HIV-transmission. It can be seen that effective treatment with antiretroviral drugs transforms HIV from a lethal to a chronic disease, but fear, stigmatization, discrimination and gender inequality issues are now driving the spread of HIV. Greater acceptance of people living with HIV and better understanding of HIV by society in general will be necessary to tackle current stigma. With sufficient political will, there can be virtually zero transmission of the virus from mothers to their children, including through breastfeeding, meaning that achievement of an AIDS-free generation is finally within the grasp of the global community. It should be noted that exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first si x months of life of babies in Cameroon jas moved from 20% to 28% according to research by the Cameroon Society of Paediatriciams. This was made known during a recent consultative meeting of nutrition promotion stakeholders in the economic capital of Douala. PEPFAR holds consultative meetings with Cameroon media and CSO

Cameroon Link participated in the meetings organized by PEPFAR for media and leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in Douala ahead of celebrations marking World AIDS Day 2015. PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the U.S. Government initiative to turn the tide of the HIV/AIDS epidemic around the world. This historic commitment is the largest by any nation to combat a single disease internationally. PEPFAR investments also help alleviate suffering from other diseases. PEPFAR is driven by a shared responsibility among donors and partner nations to make smart investments to save and improve lives. PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Catherine Akom Anjeh briefed journalists on the situation of US contributions and lobbied for collaboration with the civil society organisations, so that aid can reach the right beneficiaries in the rural areas. In Cameroon, PEPFAR began in 2009-2010 and has since grown to an annual budget of about US $26 million. The initiative is administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Departments of Defense (DoD) and State (DoS), and the Peace Corps. About 15 Cameroonian and international implementing partners conduct field activities, often in collaboration with local sub-partners, in the areas of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT), prevention of sexual HIV transmission, blood safety, HIV testing and counseling, HIV care and support, laboratory strengthening, strategic information, and other health systems strengthening. All PEPFAR investments are aligned with Cameroon’s National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan and work to strengthen the capacity of Cameroon’s government, non-governmental and private sectors, and civil society to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In Cameroon, support groups help soldiers live positively Here are a few testimonies of why we invest on HIV/AIDS campaigns. Sgt. Kristian Kombo, a 36-year-old soldier in the Cameroonian army, was tested HIV-positive in 2008. His father, diagnosed with HIV two years earlier, had kept his status secret, but when Kristian’s wife told him of his son’s diagnosis, he called Kristian and encouraged him not to give up on life. P-I-M-A spells access to care for pregnant women Health worker, Felix A. Andongma, left, carries out a CD4 count test on a pregnant woman using a PIMA machine installed at Mundum. Dorothy is 22 years old and pregnant. Like many women in Mundum in rural northwest Cameroon, she discovered her HIV-positive status during antenatal care, in January 2013. Though at her third pregnancy, Dorothy never tested for HIV during her first two, “because no services were offered at the nearby facility,” she says. Dorothy is not married and relies on the sale of coco yams to care for herself and her two children. When she learned of her HIV status, she felt that her world had come to an end. Partnering to Achieve Epidemic Control in Cameroon The United States (U.S.) is proud to support Cameroon’s leadership in the global HIV/AIDS response. PEPFAR provides service delivery and technical assistance in Cameroon to maximize the quality, coverage, and impact of the national HIV/AIDS response. Working together with the Government of Cameroon, PEPFAR is aligning investments to scale up evidence-based interventions in the geographic areas and populations with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS – in line with PEPFAR. Other key priorities include: • Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV; • scaling-up access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment among those most in need, particularly key and priority populations; • Supporting health systems strengthening with a focus on improving health information systems, human resources for health, laboratory and blood safety systems, and supply chain management; and • Strengthening the continuum of care and treatment and ensuring linkages in the delivery of HIV prevention, care, and treatment across all levels of care. HIV/AIDS in Cameroon Number of people living with HIV (all ages), 20131 660,000 Deaths due to AIDS (all ages), 20131 34,000 Number of orphans due to AIDS (0-17), 20131 310,000 Estimated antiretroviral (ARV) coverage (adults ages 15+), 20142 23% Estimated percentage of pregnant women living with HIV who receive ARVs for PMTCT, 20142 66% Cameroon Country Operational Plan Executive Summary 2014 Cameroon is a lower-middle-income country with a population of 22 million representing more than 275 ethnic groups. Politically stable, Cameroon achieved economic growth of 4.9% in 2013. The country’s epidemiological profile is dominated by communicable diseases such as malaria and HIV and an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maternal mortality is 782 per 100,000 live births; under-5 mortality is 127 per 1,000 live births. Funding for health is about 5% of the Government of Cameroon (GRC) 2013 budget. In 2010, private spending accounted for 70.4% of health expenditures; 13.2% came from external resources and 16.4% from GRC funds (World Bank 2012). The provision of basic services, including HIV/AIDS services, remains a challenge for the government, especially from the regional to the district levels. HIV/AIDS is low on a long list of priorities for the GRC, whose 2014 budget focuses heavily on non-health items. Epidemiology of the HIV epidemic Despite a decrease in HIV prevalence from 5.6% in 2004 to 4.3% (DHS 2011), Cameroon is one of the highest-prevalence countries in Central Africa. Prevalence is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) (37%), female sex workers (FSW) (36%), and pregnant women (7.6%). Other at-risk sub-populations include sero-discordant couples, the uniformed services, long-distance truck drivers (LDTD), economically vulnerable women and girls, migrants, prisoners, and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). There are marked disparities in HIV rates between women (5.6%) and men (2.9%), with prevalence five times higher among women ages 15-24 than among their male counterparts. Prevalence peaks at 10% among women ages 35-39 and at 6.3% among men ages 45-48. Geographically, prevalence ranges from 1.2% in the far North to 7.2% in the South. Prevalence is higher among urban, employed, and wealthier men and women (DHS 2011). An estimated 5.9% of couples are sero-discordant. About 46% of women and 58% of men have never received an HIV test result. About 542,000 adults (>15 years) and 58,600 children (0-14) are living with HIV, including 275,600 who need antiretroviral therapy (ART) (UNAIDS 2013). There are about 43,000 new infections per year and 333,000 orphans (ages 0-17) due to AIDS. About 31% (7,908/25,360) of TB patients tested for HIV are HIV/TB co-infected, according to the National AIDS Control (NACC) 2012 report, and TB is the leading cause of AIDS-related deaths. The NACC estimates that HIV infections are principally driven by sexual intercourse (88%), including early sexual debut, multiple concurrent sexual partnerships, and transactional and inter-generational sex; mother-to-child transmission (14%); and transfusion of unsafe blood. Women’s risk is heightened by low socio-economic status, gender inequality, and harmful socio-cultural practices. Stigma and discrimination have marginalized people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and key populations (KPs), especially MSM. Status of the national response

Cameroon’s national response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is led by the inter-ministerial NACC, which coordinates implementation of the recently revised National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2014-2017. While this plan targets most major HIV/AIDS program areas, GRC funding has focused mostly on procurement of ARVs, with commitments amounting to more than 60% of national needs. PEPFAR funded 6% of the national HIV/AIDS response in 2012, with 45% of funding coming from the GRC; 44% from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM); and modest contributions from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), World Bank, European Union, French Cooperation, UNICEF, and the corporate sector. HIV prevention and testing services have been integrated into all national, regional, and district hospitals in all 10 regions. The NACC estimates the number of ART patients at 130,778 as of December 2013, representing 47.4% coverage. Despite significant progress, the national response is built on a public health system that is under-resourced [REDACTED]. Uptake of PMTCT and other gateway services remains insufficient, particularly in rural areas, and only 42% of pregnant women attend antenatal care (ANC) services. The lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) rate among ART patients after one year is about 38% (GARP 2012). The government’s capacity to mobilize funds for HIV/AIDS remains a major challenge, and with new GFATM funding still in the planning stages and CHAI ending its ARV procurements, uncertain funding horizons and weaknesses in strategic information and supply-chain management continue to haunt program implementation with the specter

Nestle Organises Meeting on Creating Shared Values

By James Achanyi-Fontem, camlinknews

Herve Barrere, the Administrator General of Nestle Central Africa Region used a one-day workshop to create shared values with nutrition stakeholders in Douala, Cameroon on the 17th November. 2015. Inviting some 34 authorities from the ministry of public health, academia and civil society, exchanges started with the pass word being safety first for the promotion of wellbeing. The environment and security manager was invited to address participants on what to do in case of any incident, because security is primordial at any industrial setting for wellbeing. It should be noted that Nestle has spent 5000 days without an accident. The industrial environment is clean and perfect with fire extinguishers at every corner of the company. Tracks are marked to separate movement of staff and heavy duty automobile tools within the factory and a medical doctor is readily available to handle unforeseen situations.. The workshop on creating shared values for the amelioration of the wellbeing of the Cameroon population was piloted by Dr. Etoundi Mballa, the director for the fight against diseases at the Cameroon ministry of opening address said public health. Herve Barrere in his opening address said discussions are consultative on the concept of creating shared values and that it is a win-win action. He added that the outcome of exchanges would lead to finding solutions to current challenges on how to improve on the wellbeing of the populations in the Cwntral African Region.

Nestle has employed some 600 permanent workers and over 20.000 indirect workers in the region.involved in various activities. Before coming to Cameroon, Herve Barrere was covering the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nestle is involved in the transformation of coffee in Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, the promotion of nutrition, health and community development in Africa. Other speakers were. Djoulde Maima, head of cooperation at the Cameroon ministry of public health, Richard Dongue, director of communication and public relations at Nestle Central Africa Region, Dr. Edith Fombang, lecturer at the National Higher School of food and and nutrition in the University of Ngaoundere and Paul Charles Ndjepel Ngan, agro-engineer at the department of studies,programmes and copperation at the ministry of agriculture and rural development.

After listening to the presentations, participants were split into three work hroups to discuss action plans focused on approaches for affronting nutrition challenges, mother and child nutrition and valourisation of local agriculture products and the amelioration of the wellbeing of rural populations.Senior authorities of Nestle Gabon were also in Douala, Cameroon for the meeting These groups were facilitated by Samuel Fotso, Pierre FernandTchokoteu and Morgan Bignoumba.

BCH Africa Trains on Tuberculosis Prevention

By James Achanyi-Fontrm, camlinknews

BCH Africa organised a three-day workshop on tuberculosis prevention for community health workers in Nkongsamba from the 1st to 3rd October, 2015 in collaboration with the ministry of Public Health and the World Bank. Some 26 persons were invited to the training session. Participants at the workshop came from the health districts of Bonassama, Bonamoussadi,Yabassi, Edea, Manoka and Pouma. The facilitators ere Dr. Elisabeth Fon who coordinayes TBc programme in the littoral region, Dominique Kondji Kongji, the executive director of BCH Africa, Zouboudem Zouboudem and Bikot Samuel, trainers at BCH Africa and Nantchouang Alain of the GTC- PNLT. Dr. Elisabeth Fon presented the situation of tuberculosis in the littoral region, including the method of the spread of the disease and strategies of prevention during an interactive session with the 20 participants put together from the health districts, and the municipal councils, representatives of NGos and community based organisation. Dominique Kondji Kondji emphasized on the rights and responsibilities of TBc patients, made an analysis of the techniques of communication and advocacy, the forces, weaknesses and opportunities to be put into consideration during prevention of tuberculosis in Cameroon.

Speaking on communication for behaviour change, he called on the participants to emphasize on advocacy at the level of local authorities by involving them in the prevention action, so that they may support the programme materially and financially. Zouboudem Zouboudem said, the Nkongsamba workshop was the third phase and that another was planned in Buea for the south west region. BCH Africa is covering the Littoral and south west regions according to the World Bank subvention. Dr. Fon said tuberculosis is contagious and that if any person has cough which persists for two weeks and above, it is necessary for he or she to go to the closest treatment centre for a diagnosis and reception of free treatment. All a person needs to spend is CFA 1.000. The treatment received for nine months is free of any charge. There are over 200 treatment centre created by the ministry of public health in Cameroon. The TBc worksho trianer regretted that patients are stigmatized and this discourages some patients from continuing the treatment to the end. He told the trainees to spread the information that tuberculosis is curable. Persons with Hiv need to be very careful because the disease spreads more easily in their case and can lead to death.

Advocacy and social mobilisation is done through community radio stations in the various health districts hosting treatment centres. At the end of the workshop, the participants grouped themselves per district and designed a reinforcement of capacity action plan which included advocacy and social mobilisation and advocacy for community health workers.Cameroon link was selected as one of the community outreach organisation for Bonassama Health Distri

ct in the Littoral region.

Pindelwa Mwa Visits Cameroon

By Helen Ayamba, camlinknews Ms. Pinddelwa Mwa, Nestlé Business Head in South Africa ended a three-day work visit to Cameroon on the 28th August 2015 after holding working sessions with four top level directors at the ministry of public health and stake holders of maternal and infant feeding in Yaoundé. She was accompanied by four country collaborators in Ghana and Cameroon. The visit was aimed at highlighting the vision of Nestlé in Africa. Ms. Pindelwa told Cameroon authorities that, decision makers are stretching infant feeding issues too long instead of looking at the real problems facing mothers. She recommended meaningful dialogue through listening to understand the various problems facing mothers before taking well informed decisions. She emphasized the fact that stakeholders do not look at the issue of malnutrition of mothers enough. She invited them to be passionate and look at issues directly. According to her, Nestlé approves of the fact that exclusive breastmilk is the best for babies in the first six months, though it is known that not all mothers can breastfeed in situations of emergency. Mothers need to be educated on their health and how to feed their babies adequately. Breastmilk develops the brain for recognition. The challenges of breastfeeding are high, but the flag must be kept flying in all regions of the world and especially Africa. Ms Pindelwa, who is South African has worked with Nestle for 21 years and does not talk politics because this may infringe on the rights of the mother and child. She does not want children’s rights to be violated by political actions as she sechoed that, Nestlé is not in competition with breastmilk as she told the story of Henri Nestle who founded the companyas a social utility. The work of the company is to enhance breastfeeding and their role is to compliment breastfeeding where there are challenges in feeding the baby adequately through the breast. She explained that working mothers should be educated on how to express their baby’s milk and a carer can serve the breast milk to the baby when she is at work and not at home. Breastfeeding rooms are encouraged at work place. She recommended that national languages be used for educating mothers on planning breastfeeding action. Social media technology is already available at very low cost and this can be exploited for reaching mothers where they live. As Africans, she strongly believes that we have to protect our mothers and support them in various ways during breastfeeding periods. Youths should also be educated because they are leaders to be in the future. She observed that, Youths of today have wonderful initiatives and involving them will assist in bringing change in our communities. We should involve farmers also as beneficiaries of our work and get them to discuss breastfeeding in their local group meetings, where local languages are used extensively. This will encourage them to understand that producing and transfusion of their crops locally gives room for better wellbeing and improvement of the health of families. At the ministry of public health, the top level authorities pledged to continue to work with company staff on social mobilisation for better understanding of the products they buy. This is important because information sharing is vital and important. It is clear that government cannot work and bring change alone and that is why civil society organisations are involved through collaboration. The CSOs can operate mobile clinics as an initiative for reaching mothers in the market place where they spend most of their time. Ms. Pinddelwa Mwa ended her three-day dialogue and visit to Cameroon on the 28th August 2015 after holding working sessions with key stake holders of maternal and infant feeding in Cameroon. Hestle approves of the fact that exclusive breastmilk is the best for babies in the first six months. Mothers need to be educated on how to feed their babies adequately. Breastmilk develops the brain for quick recognition of their parents. The challenges are many but the flag needs to be kept flying high in all regions of the world. Ms Pindelwa has worked with Nestle for 21 years anad avoids politics and does not want children’s right to be violated by political actions. She said, Nestle is not in competition with breastmilk as she told the story of Henri Nestle who founded the company. The work of the company is to enhance breastfeeding and staff role is to compliment breastfeeding where there are challenges in feeding the baby adequately.

She explained that working mothers should be educated on how to express their baby’s milk and the baby carer can give the breastmilk left behind by the mother when she is at work. Breastfeeding rooms are encouraged at work places. .She recommended that local languages be used for educating mothers as well as social media technology opportunities already available at very low cost. As Africans, we have to protect and support our mothers in various ways. Youths should be trained because they are going to be leaders of tomorrow. Youths of today have wonderful creative initiatives and involving them will assist in bringing change in their communities. We should involve farmers as target beneficiaries of our work and get them to discuss breastfeeding issues in their local traditional meetings, where local languages are used extensively.

This will encourage them to understand that producing and transfusion of foods from their farms locally improve their wellbeing and health of families. At the ministry of public health, the top level authorities pledged to continue to work with Nestle to bring change. This is important because information sharing is vital and important for development of communities. It is clear that governments cannot work and bring change alone. For this reason civil society organisations are involved through collaboration agrements. The CSOs can operate mobile clinics as a means of reaching mothers in the market where most of them spend their time doing petit trading. Pindelwa visited Cameroon at the time Nestlé Administration General, Bruno Olierhoek was transferred to Pakistan, after his three –year stay in the country.

Experts of Nutrition Institute of Africa Visit Cameroon Link

By Helen Ayamba, camlinknews

Experts of Nutrition Institute of Africa held a working session with Cameroon Link o 1st June 2015. The leader of the institute’s delegation was Mrs. Armelle Bakoga. She was accompanied by a consultant of the institute based in Accra, Ghana who came tp Cameroon to collect information on how Cameroon Link operates and cooperate with partners. During the introduction of discussions, James Achanyi Fontem, the executive director of Cameroon Link explained how the civil society organisation operates. Mrs Armelle Bakoga was accompanied by Mr. ETIENNE kABORE, A COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT OF NUTRITION INSTITUTE of Africa in Accra, Ghana. Mr. Achanyi Fontem told the guests that apart from coordination of the infant and young child nutrition group in Cameroon made of some 6 civil society organisations in Cameroon, it collaborates with three key international networks: World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), International Baby Food Action Network ( IBFAN Africa), and Farm Radio International (FRI) Canada. It was explained that James Achanyi Fontem is the focal point and coordinator of WABA Men’s Working Group (MWG) and leads IBFAN Cameroon Farm Radio International activities. Js the liaison person of the Commonwealth of Leaning (COL) that capacitated staff in some twelve community radio stations in Cameroon. FECABPA, the Cameroon nutrition networking group meets every three months to evaluate the its field work and exchange information.The target audience reached by Cameroon Link are mothers fathers and youths considered to be leaders of tomorrow. Cameroon :ink carries out research, training and social mobilisation. It is assisted by some 46 community based organisations (cBO) implanted in the different regions of Cameroon.. Cameroon Link has had the opportunity of participation in several international conferences and having discussions with the technical adviser of the public health ministry in the presence of the retired IBFAN Africa coordinator, Mrs. Joyce Chanetsa in Mbabane, Swaziland. Mrs. Bakoga lauded the strategy and work of Cameroon Link. She said, her organisation is happy to have Cameroon Link as a partner. She explained that it could be necessary to highlight some of the problems facing Cameroon Link and FECABA, because it is only through identification of issues rhat solutions can be found. The work of Cameroon Link is based on meaningful dialogue with partners. UNICEF Cameroon and the nutrition institute of Africa, WABA and IBFAN Africa support the work of Cameroon Link in various ways. Top level authorities of the ministry of health and some international organisations play the role of advisors. These are mothers and fathers whose children were protected by breast milk. Apart from logistic problems and financial difficulties, Cameroon Link has advocated that the law on marketing infant formulae should have punitive articles included for making the regulatory tool stronger. So far, Nestle Cameroon conforms to the Cameroon government directive, but some companies importing products from the Asia region do not. They import infant formulae that do not meet the national requirements. Experts of Nutrition Institute of Africa report areas of violation to us for follow up.. We have advocated for means of displacement to reach target groups within our jurisdiction. organisation. Cameroon Link has organised a workshop on communication for development (C4D) involving some 12 community radio stations in on how to produce health programmes for their local audiences in local languages. COL supported a three –year initiative of Cameroon Link which was lauded by the Commonwealth of Learning Agency in Vancouver, Canada. Cameroon has over 250 local languages and the use of these languages for sharing information has been positive. The consultant from Accra, Ghana Nutrition Institute of Africa lauded the performance of Cameroon Link and wished that God should give it the needed energy to continue with the good work. The institute supplied some 4.000 flyers during the World Breastfeeding Week 2015, and ion. WABA sent to Cameroon some 400 folders and a large banner for social mobilisation of local communities. Cameroon Link shared highlights of 2015 World Breastfeeding Week strategy, which focused on local communities in six regions of Cameroom.ndt the frontier regions. Cameroon is surrounded by Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Nigeria Equatorial Guinea and Chad, which share common local languages and boundaries. Cameroon Link has attended all international and regional conferences on infant and younh child feeding since 2005 and it receives updates from WABA and IBFAN. Africa shared with members of Cameroon Link Group. For more information, visit the Cameroon Link you tube and online radio.Mr. ETIENNE kABORE, the COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT OF NUTRITION INSTITUTE of Africa in Accra, Ghana was apprendly happy with the work of Cameroon Link on the field..

Cameroon C4D Group meets in Douala

By camlinknews,

Mike Achanyi presented a back ground of Communication for Development, C4D,s to registered members during a workshop at Cameroon Link conference hall 9n Grand Hangar-Bonaberi on the 6th July 2015. In an opening address, the executive director of Cameroon Link, James Achanyi-Fontem, informed participants of the benefits of the network, emphasizing that it is for exchange of information. The C4D networkers came from Yaoundé, Bamenda, Buea and Douala. Mike during presentation of C4D Background, focused on its mission, vision and aims before elaborating on how people can join the C4D network, why people should join and its benefits. He spoke of the different membership categories and benefits. Worksh0p participants were told that C4D network is a community of professionals working in communication for development. They are engaged in different ways in the use of communication and media for international development and human rights promotion. There are over 1730 registered members in 136 countries. The networks focuses on key areas of C4D practice and operate in various actions’ to broaden knowledge about good practice in these areas and raise awareness about the theoritical foundation for the choice of appropriate approaches and methods. Mike went on to talk about an existing online community of over 1600 members – from academia, media, donors, NGOs, UN, private sector and independents groups. He told members that there is sharingof information daily on topical issues and discussions hold on development and communication themes, resources, job announcements, opportunities and news is circulated.

He observed that events in the United Kingdom where coordination takes place is around the world getting involve in network meet-ups, Expert Talks and Panel Discussions, Documentary Screenings, and virtual ‘Meetings and greetings with fellow C4D practitioners. Learning and sharing opportunities exist, including webinars in English, Spanish and French on C4D basics, Social Media, Monitoring and Evaluation On recruitment, it was made known that highly current jobs and consultancy announcements are online C4D Rosters of consultants and trainers, varied and matching recruitment services It shpuld be noted that The Network is membership-based, and it operates both online - through a thrieving social network platform - and offline - through regional and national meet-ups and groups initiated by members. Members of the C4D network are located all over the world, and include communication experts within non-governmental organisations, UN agencies, national governments and donors; academics and communication trainers; media producers. Media strategists focus on development, communication; and many different types of C4D consultants. The C4D network includes a growing range of national and regional groups as well. An evolving number of casual ‘meet ups’ of members in cities around the world. There are also a growing range of C4D thematic, regional and national groups. The mission of the network is to support people working in the field of ‘communication for development’ (C4D) by facilitating ‘meeting and talking’ opportunities, both online and offline. its vision is a thriving and well- understood ‘Communication for Development (C4D)’ sector, respected within development practice and moving forward in It aims therefore are to support the development of the C4D sector through the nurturing of a strongly connected and informed C4D peer networks, engaged in sustainable development. Cameroon C4D aims to develop: •A strongly connected Network •A well informed Network of experts •A vibrant Network of positive thinkers and •A sustainable member-driven network C4D network is a membership network, so joining as a Subscribed Member is the way to gain the full benefits of what the network has to offer. As a first step, individuals can register with the national network as a networker. To do this you need to apply by clicking 'signup' (top right of web site) and after review based on criteria you will be approved or direct to the 'Friends of C4D Network' list. Criteria for inclusion is primarily based on your professional engagement with C4D - either as an academic, development worker, media practitioner, consultant or trainer. 'Friends of the C4D Network' are people who are interested in C4D but not so fully engaged that they wish to be part of the online community, preferring to receive communication quarterly, via our e-newsletter. Organisations and other groups can also join as Associate Organisations of the Network, taking packages of 3, 5 or more memberships for staff and associates. Registered members can have a profile page and link with other members (on the site and via meet-ups); Subscribed members can do the same plus they can access all content on the Network and attend all events and benefit from the full C4D recruit services of job ads, matching services and roster.

Subscription as a member of the Communication for Development network on an individual basis costs. UK Membership: Annual: £50.00, Monthly: £6.00 Developed World Membership: Annual: £30.00, Monthly: £5.00 Developing World Membership: Annual: £10.00, Monthly: £1.50 Recent Graduate / Emerging Talent Membership: Annual: £10.00, Monthly: £1.50 There is no joining fee to become a Registered Member, and there is a modest scaled subscription fee (annual or monthly) to become a Subscribed Member. Subscription to the Communication for Development Network as an Associate Organisation Associate Organisation - Package 1 (up to 2 individual memberships + corporate benefits): £100.00 Associate Organisation - Package 2 (up to 5 individual memberships + corporate benefits): £250.00 Associate Organisation - Package 3 (up to 10 individual memberships + corporate benefits): £400.00 Unlimited packing on the following links>ages are also available for small, medium and large sized organisations (scaled price upon application). You can find more information by clicking on the following links. www.c4d.org www.twitter.com/c4d www.facebook.com/c4d